Driver’s company starts fundraiser after his severe beating outside Illinois truck stop

A truck driver’s company has started fundraising for his recovery after he was severely beaten at a truck stop in Illinois late last week. 

The attack happened on Friday night, August 7th at a truck stop in Effingham, Illinois. 

According to MyStateLine, truck driver Corey Clayton was on his way to Rockford, Illinois with a load when he stopped at a truck stop for the night. There, Clayton was attacked by multiple people and lost consciousness during the violence. Another truck driver then saw what was happening and chased the attackers off. Emergency responders arrived and Clayton was soon airlifted to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. 

Clayton is reportedly suffering from a brain bleed and will need facial reconstructive surgery as a result of the attack. He is still in his first year as an OTR driver.

Now, the company Clayton was driving for, Meiborg Companies, has started a GoFundMe to help fund his treatment and recovery. 

“Corey Clayton was the victim of a senseless and violent attack at a truck stop in Effingham, Illinois,” Meiborg Companies wrote. “His injuries were severe enough that he had to be airlifted to a hospital, where he is now recovering.”

“Corey is more than a truck driver. He is a valued member of our Meiborg family, a hardworking professional, and someone who has always been there for others. Now, he needs our support,” the post continues.

“As Corey begins this difficult road ahead, he will be unable to drive or work while he recovers. The funds raised will help support Corey’s family during this time and assist with the medical bills that come with such serious injuries, hospitalization, and surgeries,” the GoFundMe reads. 

The fundraiser has raised $12,803 of its $14,000 goal as of 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11th. 

The Effingham Police Department says that they cannot yet comment on the incident and that the investigation is ongoing, reported Rockford News First.